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Bill > HB1570
WA HB1570
WA HB1570Concerning collective bargaining for certain employees who are enrolled in academic programs at public institutions of higher education.
summary
Introduced
01/24/2025
01/24/2025
In Committee
03/02/2026
03/02/2026
Crossed Over
02/14/2026
02/14/2026
Passed
03/06/2026
03/06/2026
Dead
Introduced Session
2025-2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
AN ACT Relating to collective bargaining for certain employees 2 who are enrolled in academic programs at public institutions of 3 higher education; adding a new section to chapter 41.56 RCW; and 4 declaring an emergency. 5
AI Summary
This bill expands collective bargaining rights to certain nonacademic student employees at Western Washington University who are enrolled in academic or certificate programs, including those in specific roles like advertising assistants, resident advisors, and program support staff, and clarifies that these employees are considered enrolled even during academic breaks if they are employed by the university and enrolled in a program in the preceding or subsequent term. The bill defines "employee" to exclude those already covered by other collective bargaining laws or those specifically excluded from bargaining, and establishes that these student employees form an appropriate bargaining unit. Crucially, the scope of bargaining for these employees excludes the university's ability to terminate employment for academic reasons, the amount of tuition or fees (though tuition remission and waivers are negotiable), the academic calendar, and class enrollment numbers, while compensation provisions generally cannot exceed legislative appropriations unless the university chooses to provide additional compensation.
Committee Categories
Budget and Finance, Business and Industry, Labor and Employment
Sponsors (25)
Joe Timmons (D)*,
April Berg (D),
Liz Berry (D),
Julio Cortes (D),
Beth Doglio (D),
Mary Fosse (D),
Roger Goodman (D),
Mia Gregerson (D),
Nicole Macri (D),
Sharlett Mena (D),
Greg Nance (D),
Edwin Obras (D),
Lisa Parshley (D),
Strom Peterson (D),
Gerry Pollet (D),
Alex Ramel (D),
Julia Reed (D),
Kristine Reeves (D),
Cindy Ryu (D),
Osman Salahuddin (D),
Shaun Scott (D),
Clyde Shavers (D),
Tarra Simmons (D),
Monica Stonier (D),
Jamila Taylor (D),
Last Action
Delivered to Governor. (on 03/06/2026)
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